The stocky left-hander, who opened the batting alongside recalled Queenslander Joe Burns, was closing in on his milestone when he launched into attack against Doug Bracewell.

The Kiwi paceman's delivery was slightly full, triggering a full-blooded swing from the Aussie that sent the ball sailing over the sidescreen for six.And contrary to the Warner of old, the effortless stroke did not trigger a further flurry as the maturing batsman knuckled back down to reach his half century and help guide Australia to 0-100 at lunch.Burns was 43 not out and looking every bit a Test opener after doing his job and wearing the shine off the new ball.

Australia chose to bat first after Steve Smith won the toss.

NSW paceman Josh Hazlewood, who was dumped by Australia for the fifth Ashes Test, returned at the expense of Peter Siddle while Doug Bracewell is the visitors' third paceman, having been picked ahead of Matt Henry.